Swaroopyog
Whether we are studying, going to work, looking after the family, running a business or a farm – we all have a duty to perform. As well as performing that duty, we should try to spend some time during the day performing swaroopyogwhich entails praying, meditating and chanting the Swaminarayan mantra. We should begin with devoting five or ten minutes a day for prayer, gradually building up to thirty minutes.
In Vachnamrut G. II. 62, a devotee asked Maharaj:
“Can a person who remains engrossed in mundane worldly affairs and commits various sins be redeemed of them if he engages himself in the devotion of God for merely a moment or two?”
Shreeji Maharaj replied:
“Even though he remains totally engrossed in mundane worldly affairs for the whole day, when he experiences a devotional mood, if he sincerely concentrates his whole being, i.e. indriyas, antahkaran and jiva and focuses them on God, losing all worldly consciousness, then he will be redeemed. Even if he remains engrossed in God for only a moment or two, all his sins will be obliterated.”
The difference between Dhoon and Japyagna:
Dhoon: When performing dhoon, we may chant the Swaminarayan Mantra or any other mantra with intense concentration, losing all worldly consciousness. The mantra is not necessarily spoken clearly and may become a long resonating sound. This is a form of meditation.
Japyagna: When performing japyagna it is necessary to chant the mantra clearly and continuously such that concentration and awareness are maintained. This occupies the mind and prevents other thoughts from arising. Furthermore, japyagna performed in this way will help to negate all other thoughts and maintain a calm, serene mind. This is also a form of meditation.
We should practice performing swaroopyog. One who regularly performs swaroopog is a devout follower of the Swaminarayan faith. If we spend half an hour daily performing dhoon or japyagna as described above, we will gradually achieve a spiritual sense of one-ness with brahm and eventually all our worldly desires will cease. We will constantly remain submerged in the consciousness that we belong to the Satpurush.
After some time, we will be able to spend half an hour every morning and every evening meditating on the image of God. Our goal will be attained when we can begin swaroopyog and instantly meditate on the image of God.
Whilst performing swaroopyog we should remain engrossed in meditation, and if we should conceive any thoughts, they should be analysed. If they are thoughts pertaining to worship or séva, then one should indulge. If the thoughts pertain to other aspects of our life then we should endeavour to purge them from our mind. Gradually, we will be able to meditate on the image of God without any interference whatsoever. This is our ultimate aim.
Constant practice of japyagna guarantees a sense of calmness, tranquillity and serenity. The mind will only conceive thoughts of worship or devotional service (séva). Feelings and thoughts of jealousy, hatred, pride, etc. will be rejected by the mind. When we have mastered this, we will have reached the end of our sadhana.